National Symbols
National Anthem.
After gaining independence from foreign rule the people of Sri Lanka were kindled with patriotic feeling. On the recommendation of the Sri Lanka Gandharva Sabha a competition to select a national anthem was conducted in January 1948. At this competition late Mr. Ananda Samarakoon’s composition ‘Namo Namo Matha’ was chosen as the National Anthem.
The main theme of the Anthem is designed to instill honor and respect to the Motherland and create national progress through Unity.
| Listen | Lyric |
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
| Instrumental |
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. |
| Words | оriginal | tamil | english |
National Emblem.
Sri Lanka used the British emblem when it was a British Crown Colony. It was continued to use it even after gaining independence in 1948. According to the recommendations of select committee appointed to devise a state emblem more suitable for Sri Lanka, country was opted for a new State Emblem. It had a Lion with Sword in its right fore paw. Below there was a strip carrying the country’s name in Sinhala, Tamil and English.
A new republication emblem was chosen after the country was declared a Republic on 22nd May, 1972. In addition to the lion with a sword it portrays the dhammachakka and punkasala, sun, moon and two sheaves of paddy.
National Flag.
The present view of the National Flag was approved on 7th September 1978. Dark red base with a lion with sword in his right paw on it is framed with a dark yellow strip. Red color is a Buddhist symbol, when a yellow strip is a symbol of Buddhist monk’s community. The Lion embody the Sri Lanka’s progenitor – the first courageous king. 4 Bo Leaves depicted in the corners and means 4 main human beings nature: love, compassion, mutual understanding, and composure. Two strips of green and yellow belong to the Hindu and Muslim community of the country.
National Flower.
The Nil Mahanel flower (water lily) was declared the National Flower of Sri Lanka on 26th February, 1986. It is considered a symbol of truth, purity and discipline.
National Tree.
A proposal made to declare the Na tree as the National Tree was adopted be the Cabinet on 26th February, 1986. It was chosen as the National Tree for 7 reasons: It is a tree which originated in Sri Lanka, Its utility, historic and cultural importance, exterior posture, wide distribution, color and nature, ability to draw and sketch it easily. As the English called it the Iron Wood tree, its name signifies the tree is very hard and durable. The wood is used in building temples and devales.
